Mixed conifer-deciduous woods. Breeds in rather open woods,
usually containing a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees.
Migrants occur in any kind of woodland.

This vireo is common in summer in mixed forest, where conifers and
deciduous trees grow together. When feeding, it works rather
deliberately along branches, searching for insects. Its nest, a bulky
cup suspended in the fork of a twig, is often easy to find. This bird
was formerly lumped with the western Plumbeous and Cassin's vireos under
the name Solitary Vireo.

Feeding Behavior

Forages rather deliberately in upper part of trees, searching for
insects along branches and twigs as well as among leaves. Sometimes
flies out to catch insects in mid-air, or searches for items on bark of
major limbs.

Eggs

3-5, usually 4. Whitish, lightly spotted with brown and black.
Incubation is by both parents, about 12-14 days. In some areas, nests
are often parasitized by cowbirds. Young: Both parents feed the
nestlings. Young leave the nest about 2 weeks after hatching.

Young

Both parents feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest about 2 weeks
after hatching.

Diet

Mostly insects. In summer feeds almost entirely on insects, including
caterpillars, stink bugs, beetles, wasps, bees, ants, moths, tree
crickets, and many others; also spiders. Also eats some berries and
small fruits, especially in winter, when they may make up more than
one-fourth of diet.

Nesting

Male sings frequently throughout the day to defend nesting territory. In
courtship display, male may fluff up plumage and bob his body up and
down while singing. Nest: Placed in horizontal fork of branch in tree,
often quite low (3-12' above the ground), can be up to 35' or higher.
Nest (built by both sexes) is a rather bulky open cup, suspended by its
rim. Nest is made of grass, strips of bark, weeds, plant fibers,
rootlets, lined with plant down and hair. Outside of nest may be
decorated with moss, pine needles, pieces of paper.

Migration

In general, the Blue-headed Vireo migrates earlier in spring and later
in fall than other vireos in its range. It also winters farther north
than the others, with good numbers remaining through the winter in the
southeastern states.

Songs
and Calls

Song a rather slow series of sweet, slurred phrases like that of
Red-eyed Vireo, but slower and more musical. Call a husky chatter.